Image transmission apparatus

ABSTRACT

When an address is inputted through input means for inputting an address of a receiving end, an image transmission apparatus carries out an authentication process that determines whether or not the inputting person is a right authorized person. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the image transmission apparatus transmits image data to the address of the receiving end thus inputted.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP2004/003243 which has anInternational filing date of Mar. 11, 2004 and designated the UnitedStates of America.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus thattransmits image data, in particular, an image transmission apparatusthat carries out an authentication process upon inputting an address ofa receiving end.

BACKGROUND ART

There are image transmission apparatuses, such as fax machines each ofwhich transmits and receives an image that has been read to and from anexternal apparatus (receiving end) through a communication path(telephone network). In recent years, a transmitting and receivingenvironment for images in which Internet facsimiles and the like fortransmitting and receiving images through a communication network areused has been improved. Moreover, there have been rapid progresses informing document images into electronic data as well as in data sharing,and a workplace environment which utilizes such a network environmenthas been established. Under these circumstances, as techniques forforming electronic data and for data sharing progress, it becomesnecessary to properly establish a protection (security) environmentagainst data leakage and the like.

Conventionally, means is installed in which a user authenticationprocess is carried out by using a password (identification number) orthe like so that when, as a result of collation, the input informationis coincident with the authentication information that has beenpreliminarily registered, the use of an image transmission apparatus ispermitted thereafter; thus, by using the user authentication, unapproveduse of the image transmission apparatus has been restricted (forexample, see Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 3-29461 (1991)and Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 4-157968 (1992)).

However, in such a case when collation information like a password isleaked, the image transmission apparatus might be used withoutpermission with the result that image information might be transmittedto an external apparatus. Moreover, in an attempt to directly inputinformation of a receiving end, the user's unaccustomed operation mightcause input errors, with the result that image data might be transmittedto an erroneous receiving end. Particularly, in recent years, thenetwork environment has been established, and techniques for formingelectronic data have been improved, as described above, so that imageinformation can be easily transmitted to an external apparatus;consequently, the above-mentioned problems have been recognizedremarkably. In contrast, when the security is enhanced excessively,another problem arises in which the image transmission apparatus becomesinconvenient in use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentionedcircumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to providean image transmission apparatus that is capable of preventing thepossibility that image data might be erroneously transmitted to thethird person, by carrying out an authentication process upon inputtingan address of a receiving end for image data.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an imagetransmission apparatus which is more convenient in use by appropriatelyselecting and carrying out the authentication process.

An image transmission apparatus according to the present invention is animage transmission apparatus which transmits image data, comprising:input means for inputting an address of a receiving end; authenticationmeans for carrying out an authentication process when the address isinputted by the input means; and transmission means for transmittingimage data to the address of the receiving end inputted by said inputmeans, when the input is determined as a right one by the authenticationmeans.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized by further comprising register means for registering theaddress inputted by said input means in an address data file, when theinput is determined as a right one by said authentication means.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized by further comprising readout means for reading out anaddress registered in said address data file, wherein when the addressread out by said readout means is edited by the input means, saidauthentication means carries out the authentication process, and whenthe input is determined as a right one by said authentication means,said register means registers the edited address in said address datafile.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized in that said transmission means transmits image data tosaid address without carrying out the authentication process by saidauthentication means when said readout means reads out an address of areceiving end.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized by further comprising selection means for making aselection as to whether or not the authentication process should becarried out by said authentication means.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized in that said image transmission apparatus is an Internetfacsimile apparatus, and said address is an electronic mail address.

According to the present invention, when an address is inputted by theinput means for inputting an address of a receiving end, the imagetransmission apparatus carries out an authentication process as towhether or not the inputting person is a right authorized person. Whenit is determined that the inputting person is a right one through theauthentication process, the image transmission apparatus transmits imagedata to the address of the receiving end that has been inputted. Withthis configuration, it becomes possible to prevent the problem that theimage data might be leaked to the third person through a network.

Moreover, according to the present invention, when the input isdetermined as a right one by the authentication process, the imagetransmission apparatus registers the inputted address in the addressdata file. Moreover, in the case where an address that has beenregistered is edited, the image transmission apparatus reads out thecorresponding address that has been registered in the address data file,and upon editing the address thus read, the authentication process isagain carried out. When the input is determined as a right one by theauthentication process, the address that has been edited is updated andregistered in the address data file. With this configuration, it becomespossible to prevent the problem that the third person with an illintention might freely alter the receiving end.

Moreover, according to the present invention, when an already registeredaddress of a receiving end is read out from the address data file, theimage transmission apparatus transmits image data to the correspondingaddress without carrying out the authentication process. In other words,it is sufficient to enhance the security, only in the case where anaddress is newly inputted and when an inputted address is newlyregistered or edited for revision or the like; therefore, when analready registered address is read out and transmitted, theauthentication process is omitted. Therefore, it becomes possible toprovide an image transmission apparatus that is more convenient in usewith superior security.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, selection can be madeas to whether or not the above-mentioned authentication process shouldbe carried out. In other words, upon raising the level of security, theimage transmission apparatus is allowed to carry out the authenticationprocess, while, when emphasis is placed on convenience in use ratherthan security, the image transmission apparatus is not allowed to carryout the authentication process. With this arrangement, it becomespossible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is suitable forthe application environment of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an imagetransmission apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows an operation unit and a displayunit;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view that shows an image of guide informationdisplayed on the display unit;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view that shows another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view that shows still another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guideinformation displayed on the display unit;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes forconducting a setting operation as to whether or not authenticationprocesses are carried out;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of the authenticationprocesses upon inputting an electronic mail address;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the casewhere an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the casewhere an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited; and

FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an imagetransmission apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following description will specifically explain the presentinvention, based on the drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an imagetransmission apparatus according to the present invention. Here,description will be given of a case in where an Internet facsimileapparatus 1 is used as the image transmission apparatus 1; however, inaddition to the apparatus that is provided with only the facsimilefunction, the apparatus may be a complex machine that has a function asa copying machine and a function as a printer in combination. In theInternet facsimile apparatus 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, areading unit 19, a recording unit 110, a display unit 14, an operationunit 13, a coding-decoding unit 18, a storing unit 15, a RAM (RandomAccess Memory) 12, an image memory 151, a modem 162, an NCU (NetworkControl Unit) 161, a LAN interface 163 and the like are connected to oneanother through a bus 17.

The CPU 11, which is connected to the above-mentioned hardware units ofthe Internet facsimile device 1 through the bus 17, controls thoseunits, and also executes various software functions in accordance with acontrol program 15P and a security program 151P stored in the storingunit 15. The reading unit 19 reads a document by using a scanner inwhich, for example, CCDs (Charge Couple Devices) are utilized, andoutputs the image data thus read. The recording unit 110, which is anelectrophotographic printing apparatus, is used for printing out data,such as image data received through facsimile communication, documentimage data read by the reading unit 19 and image data sent from apersonal computer (not shown) through the LAN interface 163.

The display unit 14, which is a display device such as a liquid crystaldisplay, is used for displaying the operation state of the Internetfacsimile apparatus 1 of the present invention, image data of a documentthat has been read for transmission, image data received from anotherfacsimile apparatus, and image data sent from a personal computer, orthe like. The operation unit 13, serving as input means, is providedwith character keys, ten keys, shortened dial keys, one-touch dial keys,various function keys and the like required for operating the Internetfacsimile device 1 of the present invention. Here, the display unit 14may comprise a touch panel, so that one portion or the entire portionsof the various keys of the operation unit 13 can be substituted thereby.The coding-decoding unit 18 code-compresses an image signal, and alsodecodes image data that has been code-compressed into the original imagesignal.

The storing unit 15, configured by a hard disk or the like,preliminarily stores the control program 15P and the security program151P that are required for operations of the Internet facsimile device 1of the present invention. The security program 151P, which is a programthat executes an authentication process (authentication means) or thelike according to the present invention, is installed when desired bythe user. Here, an address of a receiving end, inputted from theoperation unit 13, is registered in an address data file 152 of thestoring unit 15. Although the address is a FAX number, an electronicmail address or the like, in the following, description will be given byexemplifying a case where the address is an electronic mail address.

The RAM 12, which is configured by a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory),a flash memory or the like, stores temporary data that is generated uponexecuting a software program. The image memory 151, which is configuredby a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, stores data suchas image data read for transmission, image data received from anotherfacsimile apparatus and image data sent from a computer.

The modem 162, which is connected to the bus 17, is configured by afacsimile modem capable of performing facsimile communication. Moreover,the modem 162 is also directly connected to the NCU 161 connected to thebus 17. The NCU 161, which is a hardware device that opens and closesthe communication line with the telephone line network, connects themodem 162 to the telephone line network, if necessary.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows the outline of the operation unit13 and the display unit 14. The display unit 14 is formed by a liquidcrystal display, and a touch panel 139, which forms one portion of theoperation unit 13, is laminated on the upper side thereof. Varioussetting operations, such as a copy-density setting operation, a paperselecting operation and a magnification setting operation, can be giventhrough the touch panel 139 by the user's operations. On the right sideof the operation unit 13, there are prepared ten keys 131, a clearbutton 132 by which numeric value data or the like inputted through theten keys 131 is revised, a start button 134 used for starting a readingprocess, transmitting process or the like of image data, and a totalcancellation button 133, which initializes settings of the number ofcopies, image quality and the like, or initializes a transmittingoperation, a copying operation and the like of image data.

On the center portion adjacent to the touch panel 139 of the operationunit 13, a printer button 135, a FAX button 136, a copy button 137 and a“user-setting” button 138 are prepared. As described above, the Internetfacsimile apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a printerfunction, a facsimile function and a copy function; therefore, when theuser operates the printer button 135, the FAX button 136 or the copybutton 137 depending on the desired usage, the Internet facsimileapparatus 1 is allowed to function as a printer, a facsimile apparatusor a copying machine. The “user-setting” button 138 is operated whenregistering, selecting and editing operations of an address of areceiving end, which will be described later, or various settingoperations such as settings of date and time are carried out.

When the operation unit 13 provided with the above-mentioned buttons isoperated, a signal corresponding to the operated button is outputted tothe CPU 11. In accordance with the control program 15P stored in thestoring unit 15, the CPU 11 executes the process corresponding to theoutput from the operation unit 13, and reads out required guideinformation from the storing unit 15, and outputs the information to thedisplay unit 14. In the following, description will be given of asequence of displaying operations on the display unit 14.

FIGS. 3 through 14 are explanatory views that show images of guideinformation displayed on the display unit 14. In FIG. 2, when the FAXbutton 136 is operated, a screen indicated by FIG. 3 is displayed. When“receiving end list” is operated, the CPU 11 reads out names ofreceiving ends corresponding to addresses that have been registered (“Scompany”, “B company”, and the like) from the address data file 152, anddisplays them as a list, as shown in FIG. 4. Here, when one of thereceiving ends is selected through the touch panel 139, thecorresponding address is read out from the address data file 152, andimage data stored in the image memory 151 is transmitted to thecorresponding address. In this manner, when the “receiving end list” isselected so as to call for the registered addresses in FIG. 3, the CPU11 displays the screen of FIG. 4 without carrying out an authenticationprocess, and allows selection of a desired address.

In contrast, when “E-MAIL address” button is operated in FIG. 3 so as toinput an address that has not been registered, the CPU 11 displays anauthentication screen shown in FIG. 5 so as to carry out theauthentication process. A screen that urges the user to input a passwordis displayed on the authentication screen. The user inputs the passwordthrough the ten keys 131. The CPU 11 compares the inputted password witha password that has been preliminarily stored in the storing unit 15,and only when these are coincident with each other, it displays anelectronic mail address input screen shown in FIG. 6. This embodimentuses the authentication through a password; however, the authenticationmay be conducted by using biological information such as a fingerprint.

After the authentication process, the user inputs an electronic mailaddress of a receiving end through the ten keys 131. After the input ofthe electronic mail address, the user presses “OK” button through thetouch panel 139. When the “OK” button is operated, the CPU 11 displays ascreen shown in FIG. 7. It is possible to select the file format andcompression format of image data to be transmitted in FIG. 7. Withrespect to the file format, selection can be made among PDF (PersonalDocument Format) (Registered Trademark), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)(Registered Trademark), and the like. Moreover, with respect to thecompression format, in addition to the case requiring no compression,selection can be made among compression formats such as MH (G (Group) 3)and MMR (G (Group) 4). When the user selects desired file format andcompression format, and then selects the “OK” button, the CPU 11 readsout image data from the image memory 151, carries out a convertingprocess to the corresponding file format and the correspondingcompressing process on the image data, and then transmits the resultingimage data to the electronic mail address that has been inputted.

In the following, description will be given of a newly registeringprocess of an electronic mail address of a receiving end and an editingprocess for a registered address. When “user setting” button 138 in FIG.2 is pressed, the CPU 11 reads out a menu screen shown in FIG. 8 fromthe storing unit 15, and displays the screen. In the menu screen, itemsused for carrying out various setting operations, such as screencontrast adjusting, date-time setting and address editing are displayed.When the user operates the “address editing” button, the CPU 11 displaysa screen shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, “newly registering” buttonand “registered address editing” button are displayed. Here, when theuser operates the “newly registering” button, the CPU 11 displays theabove-mentioned authentication screen shown in FIG. 5 so as to carry outthe authentication process.

When it is determined to be right by the authentication process, the CPU11 displays a screen shown in FIG. 10. The user inputs an electronicmail address and the name and the like of a receiving end correspondingto the electronic mail address by using the ten keys 131 and the like.Upon operation of “termination” button by the user, the inputted addressand name of the receiving end are registered in the address data file152. Thus, when the “receiving end list” button is operated in FIG. 3,the names of the receiving ends are read out from the address data file152 by the CPU 11, and displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG.4.

In FIG. 9, when the “registered address editing” button is operated, theCPU 11 displays the above-mentioned authentication screen shown in FIG.5 so as to carry out the authentication process. When it is determinedto be right by the authentication process, the CPU 11 displays a screenshown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 11 displays names ofreceiving ends read out from the address data file 152 on the displayunit 14 as a list. The user selects a desired name of a receiving end tobe edited. Thus, the CPU 11 reads out the electronic mail address andthe like corresponding to the name of the receiving end from the addressdata file 152, and displays them as shown in FIG. 12. The user selects adesired item to be edited (name of a receiving end, electronic mailaddress, index, character retrieving or the like), and inputs thecontents of edition through the ten keys 131. The CPU 11 stores the datathat has been edited in the address data file 152. In this manner, whenan electronic mail address is directly inputted upon transmission, thatis, when an electronic mail address is newly registered in the addressdata file 152 and when an already registered electronic mail address isedited, the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is carried out, sothat it becomes possible to prevent the problem that the image datamight be transmitted to the third person.

Here, the above-mentioned authentication can be cancelled by a user'ssetup. In the following, description will be given of the contents ofthe setup procedure. When “key operator program” button is operated onthe menu screen in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 displays an authentication screenshown in FIG. 13. The user inputs a password through the ten keys 131.The CPU 11 carries out an authentication process based upon the inputtedpassword, and only when it is determined that the password is right,displays a screen shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, a selectionscreen that allows selection as to whether or not the authenticationprocess is carried out is displayed. Here, “normal” button is operatedwhen a setup is made so as not to carry out the authentication processupon inputting an electronic mail address. In contrast, “securityenvironment” button is operated when a setup is made so as to carry outthe authentication process upon inputting an electronic mail address.Thus, the security can be set appropriately in accordance with the useenvironment of the user's Internet facsimile apparatus 1.

In the above-mentioned configuration, referring to a flow chart, thesequence of authentication processes of the present invention will bedescribed. FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows the sequence to be usedupon carrying out the setup as to whether or not the authenticationprocesses are carried out. First, the CPU 11 determines whether or notthe setup for the security environment is carried out (step S151). Morespecifically, when the menu screen in FIG. 8 is displayed, in order toallow the user to select whether or not the authentication processshould be carried out, it is determined whether or not “key operatorprogram” button has been operated through the touch panel 139. When itis determined that the setup for the security environment is carried out(YES in step S151), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signalcorresponding to the “key operator program” button from the operationunit 14, the CPU 11 reads out the authentication screen shown in FIG. 13from the storing unit 15 and displays the screen. Then, the CPU 11accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S152). Incontrast, upon receiving NO in step S151, the CPU 11 completes thesequence of processes without altering the setup of the securityenvironment.

Upon receiving a password in step S152, the CPU 11 determines whether ornot the password is the right one (step S153). The CPU 11 compares thereceived password with the password preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is notright (NO in step S153), the sequence of processes is completed. Incontrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YESin step S153), the CPU 11 reads out a screen shown in FIG. 14 from thestoring unit 15, and displays the screen. Then, the CPU 11 accepts asetup for the security environment (step S154). In other words, the CPU11 accepts the selection as to whether or not the authentication processshould be carried out. Successively, the CPU 11 determines whether ornot the information instructing the execution of the authenticationprocess has been received from the operation unit 13 (step S155). Morespecifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the “securityenvironment” button shown in FIG. 14 has been operated.

When it is determined that the authentication process should be carriedout (YES in step S155), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signalcorresponding to the “security environment” button from the operationunit 13, a flag “1” is set in the storing unit 15 (step S156). Incontrast, when it is determined that the authentication process need notbe carried out (NO in step S155), that is, when the CPU 11 has receiveda signal corresponding to the “normal” button shown in FIG. 14 from theoperation unit 13, a flag “0” is set in the storing unit 15 (step S157).Thus, the user is allowed to select an execution/non-execution of theauthentication process. Here, when the flag “1” is set, the CPU 11executes the security program 151P, carries out an interrupting process,if necessary, and carries out the authentication process. In contrast,when the flag “0” is set, the CPU 11 does not execute the securityprogram 151P.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of authenticationprocesses that is used upon inputting an electronic mail address. First,when the user operates a FAX button 136 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11shifts the sequence to a facsimile mode (step S161). Next, the CPU 11determines whether or not the user directly inputs an electronic mailaddress of a receiving end (step S162). In other words, the CPU 11determines whether or not “E-MAIL address” button, shown in FIG. 3, hasbeen operated. Here, when it is determined that the electronic mailaddress is directly inputted (YES in step S162), that is, when a signalcorresponding to the “E-MAIL address” button has been outputted from theoperation unit 13, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the securityenvironment is currently going on (step S163).

More specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the flag storedin the storing unit 15 is “1”. When it is determined that the securityenvironment is on (YES in step S163), the CPU 11 accepts an input of apassword through the ten keys 131 (step S164). The CPU 11 determineswhether or not the password is the right one (step S165). The CPU 11compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored inthe storing unit 15, and when it is determined that the receivedpassword is not right (NO in step S165), the sequence of processes iscompleted. In contrast, when it is determined that the received passwordis right (YES in step S165), the CPU 11 reads out a screen shown in FIG.6 from the storing unit 15, and displays the screen.

Then, the CPU 11 accepts an input of an electronic mail address from theten keys 131 (step S167). In contrast, when it is determined that thesecurity environment is not on in step S163 (NO in step S163), that is,when the CPU 11 determines that the flag in the storing unit 15 is “0”,the sequence proceeds to step S167 by skipping processes of steps S164and S165.

When, an electronic mail address is not directly inputted in step S162(NO in step S162), that is, when the CPU 11 determines that the“receiving end list” button has been operated by the user so as to callfor already registered addresses as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 11 readsout names of receiving ends from the address data file 152 onto the RAM12 (step S168). The CPU 11 displays the names of receiving ends readonto the RAM 12 on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4 (step S169).The CPU 11 accepts a selection of the name of the receiving end throughthe operation unit 13 (step S1610). Based upon the name of the receivingend thus accepted, the CPU 11 retrieves the address data file 152 toread out the corresponding electronic mail address (step S1611).

Thereafter, the CPU 11 reads out image data to be transmitted, from theimage memory 151 (step S1612), so that the image data is transmitted tothe corresponding electronic mail address (step S1613). In this manner,the authentication process is carried out appropriately in accordancewith the setting of the security environment, and in the case where thereceiving end has already been registered, the authentication process isomitted; thus, it becomes possible to provide an image transmissionapparatus that is more convenient in use, while the security function isproperly maintained.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are flow charts that show a sequence of processes usedfor newly registering or editing an electronic mail address. First, theCPU 11 determines whether or not an electronic mail address is newlyregistered (step S171). More specifically, the CPU 11 determines whetherthe “newly registering” button or the “registered address editing”button has been operated in FIG. 9. When the CPU 11 determines that thenewly registering process is carried out (YES in step S171), that is,when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the “newlyregistering” button from the operation unit 13, the CPU 11 determineswhether or not the security environment is currently going on (stepS172). When the CPU 11 determines that the security environment has beenset (YES in step S172), the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password fromthe ten keys 131 (step S173).

The CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (stepS174). The CPU 11 compares the received password with the passwordpreliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determinedthat the received password is not right (NO in step S174), the sequenceof processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that thereceived password is right (YES in step S174), the CPU 11 reads out ascreen shown in FIG. 10 from the storing unit 15, and displays thescreen. When it is determined that the security environment has not beenset in step S172 (NO in step S172), processes in steps S173 and S174 areskipped. Then, inputs of a name of a receiving end, the electronic mailaddress and the like are accepted (step S175). The CPU 11 registers thename of a receiving end and the electronic mail address thus accepted inthe address data file 152 (step S176).

When it is determined that the corresponding process is not a newlyregistering process in step S171 (NO in step S171), that is, when theCPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the “registered addressediting” button shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 determines whether or notthe security environment has been set (step S177). When the CPU 11 hasdetermined that the security environment has been set (YES in stepS177), the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys131 (step S178).

The CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (stepS179). The CPU 11 compares the received password with the passwordpreliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determinedthat the received password is not right (NO in step S179), the sequenceof processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that thereceived password is right (YES in step S179), the sequence proceeds tostep S1710. When it is determined that the security environment has notbeen set in step S177 (NO in step S177), processes in steps S178 andS179 are skipped.

Next, the CPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends from the address datafile 152 onto the RAM 12 (step S1710). The CPU 11 displays the names ofreceiving ends read out onto the RAM 12 on the display unit 14 as shownin FIG. 11 (step S1711). The CPU 11 accepts a selection of the name ofthe receiving end to be edited through the operation unit 13 (stepS1712). Based upon the name of the receiving end thus accepted, the CPU11 retrieves the address data file 152 to read out the correspondingelectronic mail address or the like (step S1713). Thus, the electronicmail address, the name of the receiving end etc. to be edited aredisplayed as shown in FIG. 12. The user inputs edit information such asan electronic mail address through the ten keys 131. The CPU 11 acceptsinformation that has been edited (step S1714), and updates and registersthe edited information thus accepted in the address data file 152 inassociation with the name of the receiving end (step S176). In thismanner, upon newly registering or editing information in the addressdata file 152, the authentication process is also carried out, ifnecessary; therefore, it becomes possible to avoid the problem that thethird person secretly registers or alters any receiving end.

Embodiment 2

Although Embodiment 1 has an arrangement in which the security program151P used for carrying out the authentication process is preliminarilyinstalled in the storing unit 15, another arrangement in which arecording medium such as a cartridge ROM that stores the securityprogram 151P is separately attached may be used to achieve functions ofthe image transmission apparatus according to the present invention.FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of anInternet facsimile apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. 19,reference numeral la represents a cartridge ROM in which the securityprogram 151P is stored. When physically attached to a cartridgeinterface 110, the cartridge ROM 1 a is allowed to function in the samemanner as the security program 151P that is pre-installed as describedin Embodiment 1. In other words, the selection process as to whether ornot the authentication process should be carried out is executed inaccordance with the flow chart of FIG. 15, and in the case of theexecution of the authentication process, since the flag is set to “1”,the security program 151P is appropriately executed as an interruptingprocess. In contrast, when the flag is set to “0”, the security program151P is not executed, with the result that the authentication process isnot carried out.

Embodiment 2 has the above-mentioned arrangement, and since the otherstructures and functions are the same as those of Embodiment 1, thecorresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, andthe detailed description thereof is omitted.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, in the present invention, upon input of an addressthrough input means used for inputting an address of a receiving end, animage transmission apparatus carries out an authentication process thatdetermines whether or not the inputting person is a right authorizedperson. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is rightthrough the authentication process, the image transmission apparatustransmits image data to the address of the receiving end thus inputted.With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem thatimage data might be leaked to the third person through a network.

Moreover, in the present invention, when it is determined that thecorresponding operation is right through the authentication process, theimage transmission apparatus registers the inputted address in theaddress data file. Upon editing an already registered address, the imagetransmission apparatus reads out the address that has been registered inthe address data file, and when the address thus read out is edited, theauthentication process is again carried out. When it is determined thatthe corresponding operation is right through the authentication process,the edited address is updated and registered in the address data file.With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem thatthe third person with an ill intention might freely alter the receivingend.

Moreover, in the present invention, when an already registered addressof a receiving end is read out from the address data file, the imagetransmission apparatus transmits image data to the corresponding addresswithout carrying out the authentication process. Therefore, it becomespossible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is moreconvenient in use with superior security.

Furthermore, in the present invention, upon raising the level ofsecurity, the image transmission apparatus is allowed to execute theauthentication process, while, when emphasis is placed on convenience inuse rather than security, the image transmission apparatus is notallowed to execute the authentication process. With this arrangement, itbecomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that issuitable for the use environment of the user; thus, the presentinvention exerts superior effects.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An image and fax transmission apparatuswhich transmits image data, comprising: an input unit for inputting anaddress of a receiving end; a controller capable of performingoperations of: carrying out an authentication process as to whether ornot an inputting person is an authorized person when the inputtingperson requests to directly input an address of the receiving endthrough the input unit, prior to enabling input, and a securityenvironment is enabled; and permitting the input of the address of thereceiving end through the input unit and transmitting image data to theaddress of the receiving end inputted through said input unit, if theinputting person is the authorized person; and a receiving unit forreceiving a selection through the input unit to alter a security settingby enabling or disabling the security environment, the selectionspecifying whether or not the authentication process should be carriedout when a request is received to directly input an address of thereceived end, wherein said controller carries out an authenticationprocess as to whether or not a selecting person is an authorized personbefore the receiving unit receives the selection through the input unitand the security setting is altered, and wherein said controller isfurther capable of performing an operation of transmitting image data tosaid address without carrying out the authentication process when anaddress of a receiving end is read out.
 2. The image transmissionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is furthercapable of performing an operation of registering the address inputtedthrough said input unit in an address data file, if the inputting personis an authorized person.
 3. The image transmission apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein said controller is further capable of performingoperations of: reading out an address registered in said address datafile; carrying out the authentication process when the read-out addressis edited through the input unit, and registering the edited address insaid address data file if the inputting person is an authorized person.4. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidcontroller is further capable of performing an operation of making aselection that the authentication process should be carried out when thereceiving unit has received the selection that the authenticationprocess should be carried out through the input unit.
 5. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imagetransmission apparatus is an Internet facsimile apparatus, and saidaddress is an electronic mail address.
 6. An image and fax transmissionapparatus which transmits image data, comprising: an input unitinputting an address of a receiving end; a controller performingoperations of: transmitting image data to the address of the receivingend without performing an authentication process when the controller hasdetermined the address to be inputted is already registered in anaddress data file; performing an authentication process when thecontroller has determined that a user requests to directly input theaddress to be inputted, prior to enabling input, and a securityenvironment is enabled; and transmitting image data to the address ofthe receiving end when the authentication process determines thatuser-inputted authentication data is coincident with preliminarilystored authentication data when the controller has determined that theuser requests to directly input the address to be inputted; and areceiving unit for receiving a selection through the input unit to altera security setting by enabling or disabling the security environment,the selection specifying whether or not the authentication processshould be carried out when a request is received to directly input anaddress of the receiving end, wherein said controller carries out anauthentication process as to whether or not a selecting person is anauthorized person before the receiving unit receives the selectionthrough the input unit and the security setting is altered.
 7. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said controllerfurther performs an operation of registering the address inputtedthrough said input unit in the address data file when the controller hasdetermined the address to be inputted is not already registered in theaddress data file and the authentication process determines thatuser-inputted authentication data is coincident with preliminarilystored authentication data.
 8. The image transmission apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein when said controller has determined theaddress to be inputted is not already registered in the address datafile, further performs operations of: displaying an address registeredin said address data file; carrying out the authentication process whenthe displayed address is edited through the input unit, and registeringthe edited address in said address data file when the authenticationprocess determines that user-inputted authentication data is coincidentwith preliminarily stored authentication data.
 9. The image transmissionapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said controller further performsan operation of making a selection that the authentication processshould be carried out when the receiving unit has received the selectionthat the authentication process should be carried out though the inputunit.
 10. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 6, whereinsaid image transmission apparatus is an Internet facsimile apparatus,and said address is an electronic mail address.